jfloaotnish’

VOL. 22

TEIIPERANCE.

A D D R E S S Dsliesrsd by CAPTAIN OILIIAI. R. N.. at the opening of the Triiiperuitcs (lull. on January I, I852. I-‘xt.t.ow Crrtseivs;

When I look around and see the stately roportions of tltis noble room. I am reminded. that no misery of ot era has helped to raise the wal|s,—that no blood nor tearu—uo sighs nor groans. have gone to the completion of this structure. But here. in Charlottetown. where grog drain-drlnkln has done so muc rin,—where we have witnessed the degra ation of some of our noblest families. the ruin of our best tradesmen, end the infamy and violent death of many ofour prime workmen. Here. in Cli.trlottritriivti, where of elltradee and callings, grog-making. itrid giog—sel|ing, seem the most sure road to wealth and distinction.—liere has arisen a build- ing dedicated to th.tt cause of 'I‘ctn erttnce, which has been in no place more commonly violated. Ii is a Temple of Peace in the midst of a world ofcontention and strife. it is an offering o g - will end kind intention to our fellow citizens, from those who deeply feel. that the right happiness end lasting prosperity of every one will be best insured by tlte adoption and prevalence of teetota prin- c' les. Ilere we hope to see every doiiiostic tie, and every social feeling. hallowed and respected; and the hearts of rtiapy, now de- solate by drittk. made glad by the precepts and practice of 'l'eiti-

rance. Here, in accordance with our principles. no word nliiiald

said, and no action ciitniuitted, otherwise tltiin conducive to the best interests of this 'l‘oivn and Island: for if Love. l'IH'll)’. Iml I"itlelity be preserved unsullied by tlte Sons of 'l'eII|P8|‘flfl¢0i W8 shall oblige even our enemiert to rise up and call us bless .

At such a time. I have neither space nor will to put liefore our friends, who have not yet joined our Association, those argu- ments which have been so convincing to in self. To speak ar- gumerttativaly is to speak coldly; it is my ftrni cottviction, that our cause is in agreement with the Word of Goal. Incl lllfi COIN’!!! ofaction rtiarkod out or tliia Society, is the only one likely to succeed itt conquering and rooting out this vicious and cir- min:il habit. But I leave arguments to others. lttitlter let me cell upotithe friends of Tetiipt-r.ince, to ttiark this ha py occa- sion of our first meeting, by increased zeal for the great cause of total abstinence. I live cotigraiulrtterl you upon the erec- tion of this building. as a noble Gllilfl; but I do not use tlt:it lati-

uege. as if we had done all that was lltltzilt-.t.I. No, itt friettds,

ere isour catnp—our artooury; here the Hall of our sssettiblitig. Here we tnay store our trophies. but our rest is not here; we have only girded on our artiiour. let us not boast; the world is our battle- field, and we can only prevail by the most persevering energy. Rernernber. our foes are tnziiiy. ti world of pride, ll host of reju- dioee, and the claniours of selfishness are opposed to us; while the cravings of disordered appetites rirtd vicious habits disturb us, with- in are ftghtin s end witltout are fears. We may becorite the sub- ject of ridiou e; the proud tttay scorn as. power may frown upon us. end wealth look coldly upon us, whilst even poverty may slirtnk from us. as if our touch was pollution. lflll fl°"|’ll|°l¢|li 00' P|’l||' ciple is truth, end our trust is, that it must sooner or later pre- veil

Now I am only concerned, that since our cause is so good, we should not create a prejudice against it by mismanagement or ill-re-

lated seal. We have before been told that our great object is to in-

ueuce public opinion. end this. I think, not b convincing arguments, so much as by ewekenin what has been we I cell i c public can- science. This is the tea avenue by which our principle is to gain the heart of the multitude, and to influence its moral condition. For it is the public conscience which we meet arouse from her slain- beru-it is she alone who can open to us the stronghold of public ein. She is our best confederate, our most eflicierit ally. She only can speak so as to command attention.—-she only when Christian principle is wentin . can restrain the wild surges of humati passion. or the excesses of iiibitual and‘ national sin. The syin -thy of man with man is shown in nothing more strongly, thin in t a moral sentiments. . _ _

Look at the immense influence exercised over the public mind in England, b the appearance of Kossuth. the victim of Austriati tyranny an op resston; it was not the power of his argument, the splendour of his eloquence. but it wee the simple stiitr.-tiient of his startling hietory—tbu unsiudied tale of his country's wrong and wretchcdttees. that touched thn chord of it nation's sympathy. and nirred to its depths the sensibilities of the entire peop. .

Look again at the great victory won over tho nbontinable traflic in African Slaves. obtained by g tnen in Great Britain 30 years ego. The men who carried on that movement would ltuve been week indeed without this mighty ally. Yea, weak as to numerical strength; but strong in right priticiple. they directed their efforts to awaken the moral sense the community, to the end. that it might

ace a sentence of condemnation against the system, not as ea ieexpedieut or dcfoctivo political institution. but as a great pub- lic wrong. _ And in the cause of Temperance. look at the United States, how have those great results been worked out. so that whole States have become teetotalers. Believe me. those effects ltave been loss due to the force of argutnent-the convincitig nature of the economical calculations. then to the spread of deep s rtipatliy frotii heart to heart. This hue been the great source of tie power wltose efl'ects 1;". been so extensive : it is the power of one cotiscieirce actitig atmngly, but kindly. and ex ressiti its action to awaken another, until the moral sensibilities o a who e cotnmunity vibrate in utiison. and pronounce one rntgltly sentence of condemnation against tlte tnester sin of lntempcranco. . we have then to awaken. to cultivate, and concentrate this moral sense of the cornunity. This is the greet work to which we are called. end by which we are to undermine this great public

ein. . . In doing this. we must be very careful to avoid rill which can interfere with this work. If. through the excess of our zeal, we useststernents at variance with the exact Irutli,—if we are dic- tatorial, violent or overbearing. we defeat our own airii. Let us then be very carefhl toavcid this error, and while it is impossible rliaps to escape the hostility some classes of our fellow titen. at us bd sure, at least. we do not deserve it by our conduct I know my friends. it is hard to lilte the irian that tells us of our (“lie and it is also difficult to avoid dislikirig lititi whose princi- ' ' eel reproach to us. Such is our nature, and as like eta like, we are apt, despite the blamed toachin of our corn- tnoe Christianity (embodied in our Rules). to meet to with hate and score with scorn. My Brethren. these things should not be, and as our Order has adopted principles, that are to be Iound only is the Gospel. let us in kindl patience continue to draw our stra th and manner of acting rorn the same blessed source. Inlfsvi said, and a in repeat, that I have no feitrs respecting the ultimate IIIIIIIPII of t is P"l'""Pl'- Tl" T"‘“l" ""“l P'°"ll- I know many see obe’ucles like lions in the path. but let us advance without fear, they are clieined by a power that is ever ready to help on the feeble in the path duty. We want to bring in upon the resent corrupt state of society, the light of this lntth, and ‘we glulrprsvail. but not without opposition; for just as men shrink than letting the morning Sun shine upon a scene of iitghtly ‘yd .3... and find its pure golden ra a un leasiti in eyes _at: Fedtlo the glare of artificial light, so the truth of teetotalistn gcflganfim ta beauty seems strange. a urtcongsuial. who ' 5:... |m ijilerces through the attttospltcrc of wordttness and se|f-in- g.|g.ges, by which we are surrouitded. _ _ Icaettot say with one who is just noiv attracting muclt notice. no.5‘. | march, follow itiu;" for neither ‘my health nor my domestic hbite would permit me to place in self in such It _posttton amongst mg 3.... .,|‘' eutperance. as woul authorize this language; but - ‘ y u to members of our Grand Division, who-u cooddect it u ii an cause. and whose sell a- .“ In‘ ‘nu ma.“ end I” dyllllfl and to emulate. With

fellow. , . ...’$I.".l.'."r'li'..°c'i".'1'.."f‘i‘I."'..l.".'2',' I 32.". l'.1’.'i.I's'.l.t?.".' .'.T_.l"é'.t‘r.'.’ll

' and admit the evil. doggedly "fun 14, ‘M, “P “Mi, .,

cape the drunkard's cup. and the druultard'a degradation. Surely to live only for self~gratil'tcation. and to drown thought and redec- tto_n in the bowl of wine and grog, far below the pur se of our being. por_suaded. there are objects more worthy c an immor- tal soul than wine or_waseail. Lift up your hearts to nobler sub- jects. _Are__vou soldiers and servants to man here.’ Lift up our =:O;:lIni'I,II faith to Him, who will make you His servants throng out

I have found a degree of safety, happiness and economy in this pledged _teetotnlts.'n, that makes me anxious that others should share in its advantages. Do on desire freedom and independence.’ Seek yet: for happiness.’ _ Although not found in the drunkard's clip. 0|’ In the grog-shop, it may found here. Let it soldier or a sailor be but sober and industrious, and he cannot fail to get on, an as a means to that _end, I poi it to this Order. as offering many advantages. and affording the great help of united co-operation. If l'0|’*9Wf0|'O lflliof. we want you to be initiated into this inciple. and if once a drunkard, we invite you to accept this re go. and to take our pledge, for touch not, last: ital, liundls not, is the only effectual cure.

I stand here also as. a father, and can I see so many Parents and Children about_nie. without seeking to interest you all in this cause. How is domestic happiness marred by the inroada ofintemperance.’ Ilow are the noble made vile 1 Every one knows the evil, and

. there are many like tnyticlf, who secretly deplore its effects among

rolattotts and friends; but there are many who, whilst the deplore , ' ldv habits- nnrl wlitlst they can shew us no better path to walk irt, still refuse I0.IlefltllI|G ti-eiotalers. Ithink they strangely err, and Iain not wttltout hope tlitit before Ion the may think differently. Where ll”! ilflmli we have stood. At t etti see in us, that which I have always found to be more powerful than the strongest argument--let tlieni see in us, cottststent exam lea of teetotal iociples. . llcttietiiber and mark this iiie encholy fact. i at in England and in other countries, thong precept was always etrong against in- temper.-tncc-_—though sermons had been preached and essays writ- ten. yet while confined to precept. the vice went on increasing until 60.090 drunkards perished annually in England alone. The great merit of the teetotnl principle is. that it is practical; that it cturilitnes example with precept—thnt no person is recognised as a leader in the cause, or allowed to speak on public platfonna on the pulrject. who does not peraonully act upon this principle. The lettrperance refortti has been carried forward upon the sure foun- dation_. that practice and action is the test of truth. \Vords may b trtisuriderstood, but actions speak for themselves. and carry cottt'tctioit._ In this. every otie of us may do sotnething; the hurti- blest ttidividunl or the youngest child dotn a good action. will im- press the mind ofthose who tree that action; so that, though the person or child ttiay not be able to give a very clear reason for act- tog rightly, or lay down any precept in the matter, their good ex- ample will teach and lead others. Let us then be trtigit ed in com- iiiettdtrig these truths by our gentle consistent teetolalism, and let us encourage our young friends and fntttilies, to live b the same rule. It is plcasitig to see this large cotnpany of toetotalers in the mature years of spreading our benevolent principles; but I shall feel far higher sentiments of jo_v and thankfulnesii. when see all the youth enlisted oit our side. so that when we are laid low in the grave, others will rise up to take our places and carry on this cause.

‘You Fathers, let me urge you to seek this good thing for your children. You toil to add to their wealth, to inulte yourselves coa- sideriible rind disttriguished amongst men. that they may share in your increased consequence, and you would shudder to see them drunltards, be wise then and put away from them the temptation to drink, and the example of your own drinking hu ite.

I have also it word for the young. The present race of drunk- ards is fast. passing atvay; all our elI'orts will save but few; the iron of their evil habit has entered the soul; they are often given over to a possession ive cannot conquer; as Christians we pray or t em and do what we can, but the God of this world hath blinded their

. sortie few reclaimed and standing with ua,and we are tli.tttkfu| to the Almighty for His blessings upon our feeble efforts. but the greater part. where are they. or where will they be in a fciv years.’ IVe shudder for the mortality amongst drunkards is dread- ful. and destroys tnore victims than the plague. But of the young we have ho disappoint us not, my young friends—boya an girls, he tcetiitalcrs; drinking hart been the curse of our forcfutlters —-the bane ofour Iulutid’u pronperily. Let it be so nolonger. .et us ace the dawn of n brig ier day. \Ve ttiust again marshal our Cadets of 'l‘onrpcranee, and let us shew the world, that our move- ttient is one. not of momentary cxciteittettt, but one of sober princi- ple. We expect much frotti our Sunday Scholars, they have heard loo ttiuch of the self-sacrifice atid self-abandonment of the Saviour, not to feel some desire to go and do likewise. And wltat we ask is little thought of at your age, and yet will be of great ultimate cott- sequence. “/0 on y seek you should, ftir the sake of others, deny yourselves, what has not yet become a tabit, and practise total ubsttrienco frotti intoxicating drinks.

_ rid now, in conclusion, lct ttte say ernpltatically, that our great ohjttct is to mine our fellow-titan frtirti the degradation and tyranny ofdrunkennees; we desire he should live as bccoineth one. who, like ourselves. hath an itttmortnl soul. The Bible tells us, no drunk- nrd shrill enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and aeain about us thou- sands, who by their conduct set this precept at de ance, and ei- ther drink themselves, or help othcrit to drink, we resolve neither to touch, taste, or handle Alchttholio drink. and we call upon all who litive benevolent feelings towards their fellow men, to cottie and do likewise. We often speak of these things and constantly receive from rich and poor thie unswer—" , it is very well for the poor drtriiknrd to take your pledge, but why should I do it ? I don't get drunk." ut, tiiy friends, as prevention is better and easier than cure, a little tttore reflection may lead you to see. that even supposing, you may never fall itito the dreadful vice of exces- sive drinking. you ttiay, liy your present habit, he the means ofon- cutirttging others who have less self-controul to drink, and by degrees to fall victims to intetiipernnce; such crises, indeed, are too fre- quent. \Ve ttiaintititt, that its druiiknrds have all cottie frotn the ranks of the titodorate drinkers, we itiny rightly call upon tttodernto incn, its Christians and patriots, to see the evil they are peqpetu- atirig. and to join us as tectotitlers, in the benevolent design o sav- ing their fellow men frotit this master vice.

ne word morn. 'I‘he cry for reform has goae through our Is- land, ntid met with it licnrty response from the o e. and men now speak with satisfrictioti of the independence they have achiev- ed. aiid the power of self-government they have attained. But what evils have we ever suffered from, in the body politic, equal to this, that is eating into the life's core ofsociety .’ What tyrant is like drink. or what abuse in our governtnent. equals in its bti effects. the abuse of drinkin -shops and distilleriea. Let III cry for Reform; but let the reform be this time a reform that shall purge our land frorii this sad debasing nnd degrading sin—'I‘he Tcetotel Ilieforination.

I-'oa Hasseat-i‘s GAIITTI. Ma. Entree;

Sta—-I perceive that the state of our Inland sclioole is at present occup ing it share of the public attention. and that the question of Free ' ueation has been introduced as a topic into the columns of aortic of the Island periodicals, and is now open for general discus- sion. No subject tiiore inipurtant could be the public tiiitid. Let narrow-rriind tnen—whoee contracted views are the result of imperfect judgmettt—say what they may. tideoation II III! ground-work of tnorelity-the heat basis for the social systern—-and the only foundtition on which the fair superstructure of an enlighten-

policy can securely rest. eed not here stay to Onqllffi whether or not the system of education which now obtains In lllll stand is susceptible of improvement.’ Ilvery person of cotnnioti discernment ttiust adrttit the l'act in the rtllirrntttivp; and this lrllll rightlr root nixed, is tiutficient to awaken another inquiry: whether oihling system is to be continued. or give way_ to I more enlightened scltenret I trust, Sir. that this question will be duly canvassed, and patiently iuvestigated. It is a proposition In lhl iseussion of which, every reasoning tires ought to take a part, and which, custi party politics entirely‘ in the shade, ought to becolI0 the greed ral ying point, around at lcli all parties may Inc} M I frisedly footing, without eoiuproaiising tlisir peculiar opinions 0! etlierloeal riiattsmorsaerlciageeeaitloleef theupsrtinular po- litical faith. fig

Itnsy. perhaps, be msfelhers, to tphee.psesiag‘g_lanee at h gueraloharecterof ‘ “ , . ‘I'D '

defects, dulaess and drudgery. Nothing is more obvious to common experience, that in order to obtain a good articl ing price is t e necessui stipulation. 'I‘lits axiom holds good t rough- on ht all the rairiifications of society. The merchant and mechanic nlt e admit the justice of the principle, and press its importance on the attetitton of their customers. But strange as it tnay seem. this fact lies, with respect to most of our District Schools. been to a great extent overlooked. Cheap school houses, cheap furniture, cheap books, cheap teachers. and, indeed, cheap everything which related to a tnsjority of the schools. has been the motto by which our old system was regulated. No adequate rovisiori was made either for the salaries of competent teachers or flit furnishing the ne- cessary accommodations for convenience and comfort in the schools, and yet a full umuutit of benefit hits been unwisely expected from t ettt. The truth is, Mr. Editor, we have been “ expecting to reap where we saw not," and there is little room, on the whole, to wonder that so little has been gathered.

atii aware. Sit. that the inelliciency of many of our District Schools is attributed to the incompetence of the Teachers. 'I‘bey are expected to work miracles at the resent time. They are to make the brick at any rate, whether tiey are to be furnished with the straw for that purpose or not, is supposed to be of little conse- quence. ’I‘liey are to perform ittipossibiltiiea, which are not expect- ed of any other class in the genus homo. For example. they are to teach Geograplty without niape—\Vriting without proper pens and pIpcr—l{eading frottt books of every possible variety in the same class-to cool themselves in Summer the best way I ey can—and to warm themselves in Winter without fuel. Now, Mr. Editor. I do not suppose for a moment they are without fiili s. nor would I at- tempt to extcnunte their faults. hat I do «is to see is, only is fair share of the blame strapped to their shoulders. Ilow, let me Elk. l_Itn'c they been used tti mun parts of the countr 2 have indeed been treated in a manner calculated. if not esigned to break the spirit, and crush all the energies of human nature; they have been driven like vagubonds toyk their daily bread frotn door to door; instead of being placed in circumstances favourable to the healthy action of the powers of mind or body; they have been forced to drndge tltrough the twelve months for a pittance which was bure- ly sufhcient to provide for them a suitable supply of decent wearing apparel. It is not at all surprising. therefore. that tnan of the best of them should become disgusted at their disagreeable situation. _and.ongoge in other pursuits--which, if not more congenial to their tttcllnulion, might. at least, yield them the nieaus of obtaining a more independent livelihood.

And now, Mr. Editor. what is to be the roniody for this morbid lIllIS‘0l. feeling with reference to this most iitiportant of all subjects.’ Coiittttue the old voluntary systetn, and the evils to which I ltave ‘|ll|“l_¢¢l. Will, as it consequence. be per tuated. " Thitttles ivill continue to grow instead of wheat, utrd cockle in the room of bar- le .". It is notorious that the business of teachittg—-one of the most la rtous of occupations—lias not received, either from Government patronage or frorii private support, that encouragetnent which its ttnpoitiittce called for. or which has been afforded to other branches of intellectual industr . t is also well known, that in the greater number of District Schools, the burden of support falls upon it mi- nority of those itttereated; who, in order to keep open the Schools, are necessitated to y far tnore than their just pro ion of the teachers’ salaries. ' ‘he recovery of school fees from t e others, not unfrequontly leads to litigation. Angry feelings between the true- tees of schools and their subscribers are thus engendered. and in the strife which follows. the influence of the teacher for good is entirely l Ile is therefore compelled to remove to another district, where at the end of another twe|vemonih——ten chances to one—similar ditliculties stare him in the face. and render his situation the meet an easant that can be imegin .